Walmart Plans 'Hunger Games' Parties

It’s going to be a busy Friday night for Walmart, Lionsgate and The Hunger Games in advance of its Aug. 18 release on DVD and Blu-ray.

The retailer is hosting more than 2,000 parties for the release nationwide, including giveaways and trivia. Actors will appear at release parties in Marietta, Ga.; Dallas; Miami; Phoenix; and Santa Clarita, Calif. Fans who buy the disc at the release event will receive a pack of collectible trading cards, with several including autographs from actors Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson.

Walmart will also feature exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the cast on its Facebook page.

“Together with Lionsgate, we are providing Hunger Games fans with a unique and fun way to celebrate and purchase one of the most anticipated DVD releases of the year,” said Seong Ohm, SVP and GM of entertainment for Walmart U.S. “When it comes to entertainment, whether it’s through our broad selection of new releases or licensed merchandise, customers can rely on Walmart to carry the items they want at a price they can afford.”

Fans who preorder online will be entered to win a trip to Los Angeles to attend The Hunger Games: Catching Fire premiere, and Walmart is also offering an exclusive gift set that includes a mockingjay pendant. Walmart will host a live Twitter party for fans Aug. 16 beginning at 4 p.m. ET.

“We are delighted to partner with Walmart on our biggest home entertainment release ever as the motion picture event of the year becomes the home entertainment event of the year,” said Ron Schwartz, EVP and GM of home entertainment for Lionsgate. “The Hunger Games is the perfect title to become Lionsgate’s first Ultraviolet release as we continue to expand the choices available to our consumers.”

UPDATE: An earlier version of this story suggested Walmart would be selling the film an hour before midnight, which was not correct.